National League Previews

St Patrick's Ath v Dundalk (7.45)

Picking up 10 points from their last four matches means that the visitors can relax a bit going into this game at Richmond Park. They haven't done that well in Inchicore over the past couple of seasons and there is little to suggest that that will change this evening. However, with the pressure off just a little there will perhaps be slightly increased scope for an upset.

A point would do Jim McLaughlin's men nicely and their chances of achieving it have been boosted by the return of Jumbo Brennan, Lee Thew and David Capper all of whom have had injury problems. Also included in the squad is Brian Byrne who had been considered vital to the club's survival this season but whose return was more of a bonus than a lifeline.

The leaders, meanwhile, will go five points clear if they can win and like McLaughlin, Liam Buckley has pretty much a full squad to choose from.

That will almost certainly mean that the Dubliners will start with the same 11 that took to the field at the Brandywell last Sunday with Martin Reilly, Leon Braithwaite and Thomas Morgan likely to start, as usual, on the bench.

Last two seasons: 1997/98 - St Patrick's Ath 1 Dundalk 0; Dundalk 0 St Patrick's Ath 0; St Patrick's Ath 4 Dundalk 2; 1998/99: St Patrick's Ath 3 Dundalk 1; Dundalk 2 St Patrick's Ath 1.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: W W W W D; Dundalk: L W W D W.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's Ath: Gilzean (12), Molloy (10); Dundalk: Ward (four), Reddish, Thew and McNulty (two each).

Betting: Home: 4/9; Draw: 5/2; Away: 13/2.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers (7.45)

Bray might still have the distraction of the Cup but there's little doubt what the real priorities for these two are. Rovers now have to finish third to be sure of a place in Europe while Wanderers have to manage 10th or better to stay in the top flight. Bray have been making the better stab at it with the cup run - if it's not too early to call it that - helping to generate a bit of confidence. The team has shown itself capable of winning against high quality opposition but, on their day, they could lose to anyone.

Matters haven't been helped by the terrible injuries sustained in Sligo a few weeks ago - in the circumstances the five-match ban handed to Pat Devlin for his protests that night seem a little misguided - but that's been the story of a season that started so brightly.

John Ryan, at least, is back after recovering from a groin strain, while there were no problems in the aftermath of last week's 3-1 defeat by title chasers Cork City. Ryan may come back into the side but if he does that could be the only change.

Rovers, meanwhile, have one thing in common with Devlin's side. They are having problems finding the net. The absence of Marc Kenny, who is suspended, is a key factor, reckons manager Mick Byrne. The absence of Mark O'Neill, out for another three weeks or so after a knee operation, doesn't help matters either. Last week's defeat by Shelbourne was a setback but Byrne reckons the draws with Waterford and Sligo were more disappointing and he is anxious to do better against the third of the main relegation strugglers.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 1998/99: Shamrock Rovers 0 Bray Wanderers 1; Bray Wanderers 3 Shamrock Rovers 4.

Recent league form: Shamrock Rovers: W W D L L; Bray Wanderers: W D D D L.

Leading scorers: Shamrock Rovers: Kenny (seven), Sherlock and Cousins (six each); Bray Wanderers: Byrne (five), Parsons (three).

Betting: Home: 11/10; Draw: 9/4; Away: 2/1.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

First Division

Don O'Riordan always said his side were capable of turning the corner and playing their way back into the promotion race - over the past few weeks that's precisely what they've done.

This evening they take on leaders Drogheda United at Terryland in the first division's game of the weekend with the visitors knowing a win would put them in a commanding position at the top of the table.

O'Riordan, though, feels that the way his players have knuckled down in training over the past couple of months can continue to pay dividends. The fact that Ryan Lucas and Ricky O'Flaherty are both back in contention after suspension and injury respectively can hardly hurt matters - although Eric Lavine does miss out through suspension.

Drogheda will be without the long term injury-hit David Nugent who returned to training this week but is still a few weeks off match fitness. There is also a minor doubt about left fullback Gerry Boyle who has been carrying a knee problem for a few weeks now. However, he has played in the last three games and is likely to do so again. Both managers are confident and everything points to it being a cracker.

Fixtures: Galway Utd v Drogheda Utd, 7.45; St Francis v Limerick, 7.30.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power